The United States Patent and Trademark Office Issues Two (2) Memoranda Regarding The Use of Subject Matter Eligibility Declarations

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) has issued two (2) memoranda providing additional clarification regarding the use of Subject Matter Eligibility Declarations (SMEDs) under 37 C.F.R. § 1.132.

Donika Pentcheva Has Been Nominated And Accepted As A Distinguished Member Of Lawyers of Distinction™

Donika Pentcheva has been nominated and accepted as a Distinguished Member of Lawyers of Distinction™. Lawyers of Distinction™ is a legal honorary organization recognizing “the best of the best” in a very competitive legal environment. Lawyers of Distinction™ recognizes excellence in multiple areas of practice in the United States.   Lawyers of Distinction™ Members are selected […]

#Unveiling New Website Logo

Welcome to this website!

The United States Patent and Trademark Office Updates The Trademark Manual of Examining Procedure

In November 2025, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) updated the Trademark Manual of Examining Procedure to– Below is a list of the more significant changes along with the corresponding section of the Trademark Manual of Examining Procedure (“T.M.E.P.”):

The Motion Picture Association Sends Meta A Cease-and-Desist Letter

It is reported that the Motion Picture Association (“MPA”) sent Meta a Cease-and-Desist Letter over Meta’s announcement that Teen Accounts on Instagram will be “guided by ” PG-13 ratings. See Instagram Got a Cease-and-Desist Over PG-13 Ratings. According to the MPA, the MPA serves as the leading voice and advocate of the motion picture, home […]

Donika Pentcheva’s Research Involving #IntellectualPropertyLaw Has Been Cited in A #Trademark Case

Donika Pentcheva’s research involving intellectual property law and assets was cited in a trademark infringement case pursuant to the Lanham Act in the California Central District Court. For more information, see Monster Energy Company v. Thunder Beast LLC et al (5:18-cv-01367), California Central District Court.

Europe’s Unified #Patent Court

Do you need a Primer on Europe’s Unified Patent Court? The Unified Patent Court deals with how patents are enforced in Europe. The University of California Berkley’s Center for Law and Technology is currently offering a free Primer on this subject matter. The free Primer is offered until April 1, 2027. By viewing the Primer, […]

#IPLaw&Music&Contracts

#IntellectualPropertyLawInAction Did Tommy Richman’s hit song “Million Dollar Baby,” which debuted Number Two on the Billboard Hot 100, impact one of the establishments mentioned in the song: a karaoke bar located in the State of Virginia called “Queen’s Gambit?” According to the Washingtonian, Glenn Ramirez opened Queen’s Gambit twenty four years ago—the same year Richman […]

#Drafting A #Patent Application

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) is hosting a workshop that will discuss formalities and requirements for drafting a patent application. The workshop is titled “Learn How to Draft A Patent Application.” The workshop is part of a series, titled “Patent to A Patent.” The workshop will take place on Thursday, November 13, […]

Lawyers of Distinction recognizes Donika for excellence in intellectual property law

Lawyers of Distinction recognized Donika as a 2018 Lawyer of Distinction for excellence in intellectual property law.  Lawyers of Distinction members have been selected based upon a review and vetting process from the Lawyers of Distinction Selection Committee. Nomination does not guarantee membership.  All prospective members are subject to final review after submitting their application […]

Donika Is Recognized As A Contributor to A Book, Titled “Patents After the AIA: Evolving Law and Practice”

“Patents After the AIA: Evolving Law and Pracitce” is an innovative treatise on tactical and strategic patent decisions for patent professionals. This treatise is a self-contained, single volume desk-reference and is used as a guide during the course of making tactical and strategic patenting decisions for patent professionals after the most comprehensive revision to U.S. […]